Pence’s Stand: No Funding for Planned Parenthood or Obamacare

(CNSNews.com) - Rep. Mike Pence (R.-Ind.)--who first rose to national prominence when he stood up against the leaders of his own party in opposing President George W. Bush's Medicare prescription drug plan--is not backing down tonight from his position that a continuing resolution to fund the government for the rest of this fiscal year must not only cut $61 billion from federal spending but must also defund Obamacare and Planned Parenthood.

As speculation swirled around Washington, D.C., late this afternoon about whether Republicans in the House of Representatives would cave on their position that the CR must defund Planned Parenthood, Pence’s office put out a statement to knock down an erroneous report that indicated he was willing to consider a compromise on the issue of Planned Parenthood funding.

Pence is the author of an amendment--approved by a 240-to-185 vote in the House in February--that expressly prohibits funding of Planned Parenthood.

"It has been erroneously reported in the media that Congressman Pence has signaled a willingness to accept a compromise on the Pence Amendment in the negotiations over a long-term Continuing Resolution,” Pence spokesman Matt Lloyd said in the statement.

“These reports are inaccurate. Congressman Pence has made no statement concerning the ongoing negotiations and remains committed to the Pence Amendment and will continue to work with colleagues to include this measure in any final legislation."

CNSNews.com contacted Lloyd via email to ask this follow-up question: “Under any circumstances will Rep. Pence vote for a bill to fund the government for the rest of this fiscal year that does not include language that prohibits funding of Planned Parenthood?”

In responding, Lloyd said Pence was standing by not only his opposition to Planned Parenthood funding but also to funding of Obamacare.

"The Congressman’s position remains $61 billion in cuts, defunding Planned Parenthood and defunding ObamaCare,” said Lloyd. “I can’t speculate on how he’d vote until we see specific language."